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Are you interested in becoming involved in the field of law, but don’t have a law degree? If so, a career as a paralegal might be right for you. Keep reading to find out what paralegals do, what salaries can be expected in the industry and how you can become a paralegal.
What Is a Paralegal?A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant, is someone who supports the needs of an attorney or lawyer. Day-to-day tasks of a paralegal vary greatly. On any given day, a paralegal might manage investigations, interview witnesses, maintain client relationships, research the legal facts of a case or draft legal documents.
Where Paralegals WorkParalegals are not found solely in law firms. Anywhere there is a lawyer or attorney, there is likely to be at least one paralegal working in a supporting role. This means that you can find paralegal positions in corporations, non-profits and government branches.
While many paralegals work in a variety of fields, there has been a trend toward paralegal specialization. Areas of specialization include criminal justice, tax, real estate, bankruptcy and personal injury.
SalaryThe average paralegal earns $45,000 - $55,000 per year. In addition, there is often an opportunity to earn bonus payments, particularly to compensate for overtime.
Job GrowthLuckily, the demand for paralegals is expected to rise over the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of paralegal jobs will increase 28% from 2008 to 2018, and that there will be a particular demand for those that specialize in the areas of real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice, and product liability.
Job RequirementsNo formal training is required to become a paralegal. Some paralegals are hired directly out of college and trained on the job. However, given the increasingly competitive job market, more and more candidates do have degrees in paralegal studies. In order to compete for the most sought-after jobs, candidates should have an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Master degree programs are also offered for those who wish to deepen their studies, but it is not necessary to obtain an entry-level job.
